At YBS, we believe that a truly international education begins with something simple: feeling accepted, valued, and free to be yourself.
In this edition of YBS Staff Story, we meet Ami-Sensei, a homeroom teacher for our 4- and 5-year-olds at YBS Preschool. What began with a single photograph became a journey that transformed the way she sees children, education, and her own future.
It All Started with One Photograph
What inspired you to join YBS?
It was actually just one photograph.
I remember seeing American and Japanese children sitting together, scooping the seeds out of a bitter melon.
They came from different cultures and spoke different languages, but none of that seemed to matter. They were simply children, exploring and enjoying something together.
There was something so natural and beautiful about that moment.
I remember thinking, “What an incredible environment for children to grow up in.”
That one photograph made me want to become part of YBS.
When Differences Become Something to Celebrate
What makes YBS special to you?
What I love most about YBS is that diversity isn’t something we have to teach children to accept. It’s already part of their everyday lives.
Different languages, different cultures, different appearances — to our children, these are simply part of what makes each person who they are.
They don’t think, “You’re different from me.”
They just see a friend.
And I think that’s something truly special.
As adults, we sometimes have to remind ourselves to be open-minded. But our children show us what genuine acceptance looks like, simply by being themselves.
Being surrounded by that every day has changed me, too. I’ve become more open, more curious, and more appreciative of the many ways people see the world.
It’s one of the reasons I genuinely look forward to coming to work every day.
Learning to Step Back and Let Children Lead
How has working at YBS changed you as an educator?
When I first started teaching, I thought being a good teacher meant always knowing what to do and leading the children every step of the way.
I wanted to explain everything perfectly, first in Japanese and then in English, making sure everyone understood.
But the children taught me something important.
They are far more capable, creative, and resourceful than we sometimes give them credit for.
I began to realize that I didn’t always need to have the answers or lead every activity.
Sometimes, the most meaningful learning happens when we give children the freedom to explore, make decisions, and discover things for themselves.
Now, instead of always standing in front and showing them the way, I try to stand beside them — or sometimes just a little behind — offering support when they need it.
I’ve learned that trusting children is one of the most powerful things we can do as educators.
The Little Moments That Mean Everything
Is there a moment with your students that you’ll never forget?
There are so many, but our graduation ceremony in June was especially meaningful.
Watching Japanese children confidently give speeches in English, and American children speak in Japanese, was such a proud moment.
At the beginning of the school year in September, our classroom was mostly English-speaking. Even the Japanese children were excited to communicate in English.
But as the months went by, something beautiful happened.
The children started picking up Japanese expressions naturally, just from hearing them in our everyday conversations.
One of the things I often say to them is “Daisuki” — which means “I love you” in Japanese.
And then, one day, they started saying it back.
Sometimes, completely out of the blue, a child will look at me and say, “Daisuki!”
Those moments melt my heart.
For me, that’s what language learning should feel like.
Not just memorizing words or practicing sentences, but using language to connect with someone, to express feelings, and to share love.
That’s the kind of bilingual environment I feel so lucky to be part of.
Before Children Can Learn, They Need to Feel Loved
What matters most to you as a teacher?
More than anything, I want my classroom to be a place where every child feels safe, happy, and loved.
I never want a child to feel that coming to school is something they have to do.
I want them to wake up thinking, “I can’t wait to see my friends!” or “I wonder what we’ll play today!”
And of course, hearing “I want to go because I love my teacher!” would make me very happy, too.
I believe that when children feel secure and know they are loved, they become more confident to try new things, make mistakes, and express who they really are.
That’s why I make affection and connection such an important part of my day.
I give lots of hugs, tell the children how much I care about them, and think carefully about activities that bring everyone together.
To me, creating a sense of belonging is just as important as anything we teach in the classroom.
Because when children feel that they belong, they can truly begin to flourish.
Growing Together with Teachers from Around the World
What have you learned from working in an international team?
One of the things I appreciate most about YBS is the opportunity to work alongside teachers from different countries and backgrounds.
They bring so much energy, creativity, and passion into the classroom.
Sometimes I’ll see a colleague approach an activity in a completely different way and think, “Wow, I never would have thought of that!”
It constantly inspires me to look at teaching from new perspectives.
But what I’ve learned isn’t only about teaching techniques.
It’s also about enjoying the journey.
Our team knows how to work hard, support each other, and celebrate the little moments.
After a busy event, we can laugh together, share stories, and say, “Great job today!”
That positive energy makes such a difference.
Working with people who bring different experiences and ideas has helped me grow, not only as a teacher but also as a person.
A Workplace That Encourages You to Dream Bigger
What does YBS mean to you personally?
I’ve always had a dream of spending an extended period studying abroad someday.
When I shared that dream with YBS, I was met with encouragement and understanding.
That meant so much to me.
I think it’s special to work in a place that doesn’t just care about what you can contribute today, but also supports the person you hope to become.
At YBS, I’ve learned to trust children more, embrace different perspectives, and believe in my own possibilities.
And perhaps that’s what I love most about being here.
We’re all growing together — the children and the teachers.
I truly love YBS.
At YBS, diversity is more than something we talk about. It’s something our children and educators experience, learn from, and celebrate every day.
Through the voices of our teachers, YBS Staff Story shares the people, values, and everyday moments that make our community special.
Watch Ami-Sensei’s interview video here.